John Kim and Brian Poore, students from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, received a $4,000 scholarship from the Hinman Dental Society at the recent 106th annual Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting held in Atlanta.

Kim, a third-year dentistry student, is an alumnus of Middle Tennessee State University. As a dental technician, Kim was exposed to the profession of dentistry. This led him to pursue an advanced degree with a specific interest in the field of prosthodontics and implant surgery.

He is also passionate about serving the local community. “I enjoy going on the RAM (remote area medical) clinics to help out undeserved areas,” he said. “I enjoy working with my hands and helping people, so it’s a great gratification to help someone with a toothache get out of pain or someone unsatisfied with the esthetics of their teeth to smile again.”

Poore, a third-year dentistry student, is an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He said he always knew from a young age he wanted to be a dentist. He spent time volunteering in a dental clinic at the Volunteer Ministry Center in Knoxville, learning about the profession and the important role dentist have in community service.

Poore will be vice president of the RAM club on campus in the upcoming year. He is also a member of the American Student Dental Association and Psi Omega dental fraternity. He has an interest in oral and maxillofacial surgery. “In the future, I plan on finding an outlet to serve in the community where I practice,” Poore said. “There is a tremendous need for dental community service, and I would like to continue the legacy of volunteerism instilled in me by my mentors at Volunteer Ministry Center and here at UTHSC.”

Since 1986, the Hinman Scholarship has been awarded. This year, the Hinman Society presented more than $500,000 scholarships across the southeast to 90 dental, dental hygiene, and dental assistant students. The organization has promoted dental education and the profession since 1912.

“Hinman is proud to have supported student programs in the Southeast for more than three decades. Over the past 17 years alone, the Hinman Dental Society has contributed nearly $9 million in scholarships and large gifts in support of dental education,” said Dr. Patrick Yancey III, general chairman for Hinman 2018. “In addition to providing scholarships and endowments, Hinman invites students to attend the meeting to learn the latest in the profession, network with established dentists, and prepare for a successful career in dentistry.”